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    Chapter 145 Meeting


    By the time Tess arrived, the car for the airport run was already waiting by the front gate.


    She stepped out of the taxi, and just then, the back window of a nearby car rolled down.


    A sharp profile came into view.


    Finn turned his head slightly, looked at her, and said, “Get in.”


    Tess paused for a moment. Her eyes swept across the busy street before she bent down and climbed into the car.


    The back seat was spacious. With only the two of them inside, Tess sat as far away as she could. There was enough room between them to seat several more people.


    Finn nced at the gap between them. He pressed his lips together and forced down the irritation building inside.


    They didn’t exchange a word the entire ride. When they reached the airport, Finn opened the door for her. Their eyes met briefly, but Tess turned away before anything could settle in the silence.


    “Tess, long time no see.”


    The familiar voice came from right behind her. Calm and formal.


    She turned around, caught off guard. Steven was already standing there. She had no idea when he’d shown up.


    It had been a full year since theyst saw each other. Unlike her, Steven looked nearly the same. He still wore those clear square sses. His hair was slicked back clean with gel, the cut sharp and neat.


    He rolled up the sleeves of his deep blue striped dress shirt and stepped forward, shutting the car door for her before Finn could even react. His whole presence radiated control and ss, the kind earned through years in the corporate world.


    Tess blinked. Her chest tightened, and her nose stung unexpectedly.


    Seeing him again brought back too much.


    Their eyes met. Steven’s gaze shifted slightly.


    <b>10.00 </b>Tue<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>30 </b>


    Chapter 145 Meeting


    <b>48 </b>


    +10 Free Coins


    If Finn hadn’t been standing next to her, he might not have recognized her from behind.


    The Tess he remembered had been firm, brilliant, and full of ideas.


    She reminded him of himself in some ways–quick–thinking,posed, and professional. But she had always been softer when it counted.


    Now, she seemed different. The edge had faded. She looked like someone who had once been ice but had melted into something fluid, someone who was still strong but warmer, quieter.


    Steven found himself staring.


    “Zane said this flight didn’t serve food,” he said. “There’s a restaurant nearby. We can grab a bite and talk there.”


    Finn moved in just slightly, cing himself between them and cutting Steven’s line of sight.


    Steven caught the message and backed off with a polite smile. It was smooth and distant. “Sure.”


    Tess followed silently behind. <fn3435> Follow current nov?ls on Find[?]ovel</fn3435>


    As soon as they stepped into the restaurant, a bright voice rang out from across the room.


    “Finn! What are the odds?”


    Nadine trotted over, her eyes lit up like she’d just spotted a prize.


    Finn looked surprised.


    “What are you doing here?”


    Nadine stuck out her tongue yfully and pointed toward a table behind her.


    An older man sat there, hair white, posture straight, eyes sharp. He nodded respectfully at Finn.


    The elder was obviously a respected person.


    “This is my professor from college,” Nadine said. “I’ve been really worried about Lock Grouptely, so I brought him over to help brainstorm some ideas.”


    She looked up at Finn, clearly fishing for praise.


    Finn gave her a small smile. “You’ve done well.”


    <b>Tue</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>30 </b>


    Chapter 145 Meeting


    As he spoke, he lowered his gaze just enough to hide the nce he stole at Tess.


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    Nadine lit up with pride. She waved it off as if it was nothing. “It’s really no trouble! I’m just d I could help you.”


    They spoke like no one else existed. Steven took it all in. He raised one brow, then looked at Tess.


    He knew her. He knew what she used to feel about Finn.


    But now, she looked at the two of them with the calm detachment of someone watching strangers.


    Not a flicker of emotion passed through her eyes. Nothing.


    Steven felt something off.


    “You must be Mr. Stone,” Nadine said suddenly. Her face brightened as she reached out a hand toward him.


    Steven’s smile stayed fixed. He lifted his arm and blocked her approach before she could get any closer.


    His tone was smooth, but there was no warmth in it. “We have business to discuss. This isn’t a good time for a fourth person. I hope you’ll understand, Ms. Ember.”


    One nce was all it took. Steven had heard the stories even before returning home. He already had a rough picture of Tess‘ family, and Nadine’s identity clicked instantly.


    He narrowed his eyes.


    They turned cold.


    Back when he still worked at Lock Group, Nadine hadn’t stood out. He only knew Tess had a foster sister in thepany.


    Tess had always treated her kindly, but there had been something off in how she spoke about her. Like there was something buried between them.


    Nadine clearly hadn’t expected to be shut down so bluntly. Her smile faltered, and her face stiffened.


    She looked to Finn for help.


    But Finn stayed with Steven on this one. “Go take care of your professor first.”


    <b>16:00 </b>Tue<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>30 </b>


    Chapter